Key facts
- Israeli forces conducted multiple air strikes and shelling across southern Lebanon.
- At least 11 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Saturday, including children.
- A framework agreement for Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah disarmament was announced on June 26.
- Lebanese officials criticized the strikes, stating they undermine stability and peace efforts.
- Israeli attacks extended to central Beirut, with reports of over 20 deaths across Lebanon on Wednesday.
Israeli forces have conducted a series of attacks across southern Lebanon, including air strikes and artillery shelling, according to state media. Early Wednesday, air strikes targeted the Ali al-Taher Hill area in the Nabatieh district, while troops carried out demolitions in Haddatha. Overnight explosions were reported in al-Mansouri, with shelling striking Majdal Zoun and surrounding valleys. Illumination flares were dropped over Tyre and Bint Jbeil, and military drones were observed over the Litani River.
On Saturday, Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon resulted in at least 11 fatalities, marking the deadliest attacks since a truce between Israel and Hezbollah took effect on June 20. An airstrike on a home near Ansar village killed seven people, including three children, and wounded two. Another strike in Deir al-Zahrani killed four and injured 17. Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency confirmed these casualties.
Lebanon and Israel had announced a framework agreement on June 26, outlining a plan for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah. However, Hezbollah has not engaged in direct talks regarding this deal.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the Israeli airstrikes, stating they intimidate residents and undermine stabilization efforts. He emphasized that the victims were not military targets. President Joseph Aoun commented that the strikes convey a message regarding the negotiation track and diplomatic efforts aimed at implementing the agreement.
Intense Israeli airstrikes also hit Ali Taher hill early Saturday. On Wednesday, a wave of Israeli strikes across Lebanon killed over 20 people, with raids extending from the capital to southern and eastern regions. Six people were killed in air strikes in Beirut, where a building in the Bashoura neighborhood was struck. Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Manar TV reported that the director of its political programs and his wife were killed in a strike on central Beirut. Security analyst Ali Rizk suggested Israel's strategy aims to pressure the Lebanese government and population against Hezbollah, noting that leaflets were dropped on western Beirut calling for action against the group. Israel's military stated it had launched limited ground operations and issued evacuation threats for residents in four towns near the Zahrani River and Tyre area.